Hi,

I'm looking at buying a 2007 MCS. It's got a great color combo (Pepper White/Red Interior) and low miles at 62,000.

It's my first...anything I should look out for? It's got a clean carfax and 3 previous owners. It's missing a couple of minor things (cover for tow hook, antenna nub) but looks to pretty clean otherwise. They are asking $12,900 for it.

Would love any help or insight anyone can offer. Probably will pull the trigger tomorrow (Thursday) if it looks good.

Thanks!

Michael

 

I Like the color too! I just purchased my 2007 mini S this past Saturday at a Honda dealer. Had 42K on it. What all does yours have? Heated seats, I see a sunroof, Nav? I gave a little less than 12 for mine, but didn't have anything on it. Cruise control was it. I think if yours has different packages (cold, etc, etc) I say go for it.


Do a cold start up, see if it makes any noises from the valve cover, or as the owner if he had the timing chain checked. Mine is making a suspect noise and Im getting scared.


If you do get it, let us know, its a beautiful car.

 

Thanks, I thought so too. It IS a little louder in the valve department. Enough that earlier today I asked them what the protocol is for a PPI. (Pre purchase inspection) at a Mini dealer. So, we'll see how that pans out. This has all kinds of cool stuff...not heated seats though. We don't have much use for those here in San Diego.

 

imho, in italy i saw all s with problems of oil consuming and chain tensioner, i bought non s cooper for that reason...if u are really really accurate buy it but take care about oil and chain tensioner, n14 engine is wonferful to drive but bad for that reason. Have you already rated for a r56 restyling with 184 hp? new version don't have problems of 175 hp.

 

62k , well could need valves cleaned if not done before, clutch could be worn out, first year and alot of issues with timing chain, water pumps. I paid $16,900 for a 2011 with 24K and it was CPO with warranty to 6yrs and 100K . Not all the options but none of the worries either. I would not buy unless MINI checked it out.

 

The first thing I would do and bargain that price down, its just a tad high. It looks to me like it needs a few things as you stated. I also see the center arm rest cover is missing. Thats roughly $60. Tow hook cover not too much, but you'll need to have it painted to match, so bargain that price as well.

Get the VIN number and call a MINI dealership to see if the Timing Chains have been done. As well as the thermostat/housing and water pump. When I bought my '07 last year I checked on the Timing chains, but not the water pump and thermostat/housing. 2 months later I had to replace both and I had 57k on my MINI at the time. Also check to see if there is any active recalls. Sometimes (if you're not dealing directly with a MINI dealer) you can bargain down price on the fact you have to travel to a MINI dealer for recalls. But that can be hard to do.

I also had a Fog light that was delaminated so I bargained that down too. Check for ANY imperfections, because they have that car priced high.

 

Great advice all the way around. My plan is to get a full Pre Purchase Inspection from Mini or equivalent. Good idea to call them with the VIN for the recall info. Thanks!

 

Get a scan-tool and check for codes after going for a long test drive (long). Have a cold leak down test done and a warm compression test have the cylinders scoped look close at #4 up at the top. Check for dual mass flywheel noise at idle. if it checks good have catch cans installed on the pcv lines use the latest carbon cleaners to clean combustion track. good to go use good gas if possible clean the combustion track once in awhile. use only real synthetic oil BMW brand is actually a bargain. accept no oil leaks or anything other than really good there is a good r56 for you if you like them and look around.

 

Theres a service bulletin for this. Make sure your oil is topped off and bring it to the dealer. If it hasn't been changed already they will check it and change it free of charge. Just had mine done along with having them change out the turbo heat shield and aux water pump which had service bulletins as well.

 

yes. pre purchase inspection, vin check, make sure u cover all the normal used car bases, ie accident, damage, etc. clutch will be hard to tell. check the brakes, rotors, make sure its not leaking any fluid, no blue smoke out the back, etc etc

 

That's funny you say call mini and check vin...I just finally got ahold of my mini and they said they couldnt not give out information unless I was the original owner....

 

I suppose privacy laws can vary state to state. I live in the midwest and have called dealerships from Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois with no issues.

 

He stated it was a bmw of north america policy. I'll try again in a bit.
Edit: I called mini directly. Very nice lady. Switched previous owner info with mine, says takes 48 hrs. Would say anything about goodfaith campaign (tensioner). I don't want to clutter up someone elses thread with my drama, so if you want you can jump over to my thread to give me some suggestions.

OP good luck, hope it goes well, and try to get it checked out before you buy.

 

Maybe not over the phone, but if you show up at the dealership service department counter with a smile, 90% of the time they will print you the entire service history of the car for free.
The other 10% of the time it will take a $20 encouragement to get it done.

I've personally verified the above scenarios at all MINI and BMW dealerships I've ever visited. Both brands log the entire service history from all dealer visits in the centralized database, available on demand from any service department. Can't speak for other brands.

a

 

So...I grabbed the car. Psyched.

 

Pictures?

 

Here are some pics!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mini-home.html